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Prison ministry was a humbling, rewarding, and unforgettable experience.

The prison inmates rejoiced, shared insights and joyful moments, and were delighted by the smell of ‘barbecue’, personalized keepsakes and ‘hot-pink’ table cloths. They listened attentively to each other’s ‘aha’ moments, and honored God for what He had done in 11 weeks.

An evening to be forever cherished and remembered.

Even though prison ministry season was over, I was thankful for the opportunity to serve prison inmates while they prepared themselves for the ‘free world’ once again.

Self-awareness is God’s indescribable gift so we may grow over time, become more like His Son, Jesus, and discover our mission in His Kingdom.

After my most recent, near-death experience, I’m currently revisiting interests in His Kingdom. I know I have been fearfully and wonderfully created to be so much more and continue serving Him.

Our journeys are always evolving.

Life experiences impact us so we need to be prayerful and ask God to show us our next step… surrendering agenda action steps, examining the motives of the heart, discerning and trusting His precepts will lead us to our next mission field.

“GOD guards you from every evil, he guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.” Psalm‬ ‭121:7-8‬ ‭MSG‬

Last Friday, I had changed my schedule to accommodate several conference calls comfortably from office phone, achieved favorable outcomes throughout the work day, and was ready for an uneventful, relaxing, four days Holiday weekend.

It was indeed a productive work day and I thought I was in full control.

It was pouring rain when I left the office, was pondering upon a leadership training in Florida while listening to soft music and was driving an alternate route home. I was quite elated then…

As soon as I changed gears at the green light, I saw half of an 18 wheeler truck, a Bob’s truck, spinning out of control and heading my way at a rapid pace…full force.

“Agh?! Let me get out of his way”

The inevitable took place,

It was the most horrifying moment in my life just to know I had limited time, and no exit plan.

I thank God for His strength. Fear did not paralyze my intentions to escape the inevitable.

The heightened focus, clarity and attention to the unexpected circumstances were God’s gift. He equips us with an adrenaline rush and dilated pupils to examine our surroundings and for us to react under the most extreme circumstances.

As soon I moved away a few yards, the truck hit the back bumper of the 2015 Juke and not directly to the driver’s door!

At impact, the car spinned a few times yet did not flip or crash onto property or anyone else.

There was extensive damage to the auto yet our lives were intact.

Yes! I will probably continue hearing the truck’s screechy brakes, and seeing the driver’s attempt to gain control over his truck’s wheel when I reflect back to this inevitable 60 seconds.

But, I choose to focus on God’s promise, He never leaves us nor forsakes us.

(Garden pictures: Courtesy of Laura Duncan Murphy)

When I was a freshman in high school, I heard the guidance counselor say, ‘I was not going to amount to anything…’ when we held a group discussion about college applications. Her message was imprinted in my mind and heart for close to three decades!

Over the years, I struggled with fears, doubt and insecurities yet I persevered thru it all!

I still do…

In Christ, anything is possible.

A few days ago, I received a group text message from the Regional Administrator sharing a compliment from TN Commissioner. Her text was brief and to the point, ‘the Commissioner complimented Dr. Morales’ unwavering child focus.’

What?!! Was she talking about me? I asked myself then read the text message few more times in disbelief.

I praised God for His wisdom and discernment in the midst of challenging circumstances and most importantly the passion I have for children.

I replied back with a grateful heart and attributed successful outcomes to team work.

I was indeed energized to move on to the next challenge. It’s non-stop, and fast-paced work style. Regional leadership roles are demanding yet rewarding when walking in Christ.

In Christ, anything is possible.

Earlier today, I realized the impact of ‘unwavering passion for life’.

Jesus reminds us we will have trials and tribulations in our lifetime yet our spirits will never be crushed. He gives us strength, inner peace and joy. He promises us an abundant life when we surrender our hearts and lives to Him.

His Word renews our minds, transforms our lives and our hearts will never be the same.

He then creates a masterpiece just like my friend’s colorful garden of roses.

I choose Jesus and never a lie again!

Just know, we were fearfully and wonderfully created by our Abba Father who loves us unconditionally. He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Losing power for 24hrs was unfortunate but some of our communities in Memphis area were drastically hit.

I was not ready.

How could I be ready for the ‘unexpected‘?

Where were the candles and matches when needed? How could I brew coffee in the morning for breakfast? How could I wash long, curly hair with cold water? How could I wash the dirty laundry without electricity? The alarm system ‘back-up’ battery would not even last a day…

No electricity, coffee, hot water or working alarm system were just a few of my concerns.

Was it an inconvenience? It sure was!

I heard the neighbors and the customer service representative say, ‘it may take a week for electricity to be restored’.

I heard the Lord say, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6:34‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I was in disbelief at first then I felt quite vulnerable. I soon realized God was in control.

He always is.

I reminded myself to just take one minute at a time and not anticipate the worst in upcoming weeks.

As I quickly adjusted my morning routine and ‘attitude’, I vividly remembered the impact of Hurricane Andrew in South Florida in Spring of 1992. Neighborhoods were destroyed by winds over 165 mph, category 5 hurricane, and total property damage was over $26.5 billion… my family and I were blessed for not losing our homes then.

Praising Jesus as I’m writing these words today.

We just lost electricity for 24 hours, experienced minor inconveniences, some distress and nothing else.

Yes! we were able to lock up our front door of the house, drank complimentary coffee in Church, heard 5 valuable nuggets from the book of Acts:13, worshipped Jesus, and enjoyed a hot meal after Church service.

What else could I ask for?

Having no electricity made us think about life creatively!

Dad would always say in his native language, “when there is a need, there is a way.’

My husband asked me to play UNO and Jumbling tower with candlelights at night, helped each other NOT to cheat, laughed quite often, rested from TV watching and internet browsing, and listened to the birds sing outdoors.

I was proud and elated when I read these written words expressed by the Executive Director of Regional Support. I had implemented team concepts discussed at a Statewide Collaborative in several regional divisions, and the impact of my recent work was starting to show across the multi-faceted, complex system.

“I need to add this email to my portfolio for the upcoming evaluation” I quickly made a mental note.

“Mankind, he has told each of you what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walkhumbly with your God.”
‭‭Micah‬ ‭6:8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

“Walk humbly Lord!”

As I finished with a creative-journaling entry, I reflected on this verse and prayed over it.

Yes, It’s easy to take full credit for success.

In Joshua 23:1-3, Joshua acknowledged God’s presence in his life and credited all of his victories to Him at the time of his retirement.

I want to be more like Joshua indeed. He is definitely a wise, faithful and strong role model.

“Lord, I’ve got to check my heart and attitude every time I succeed at work. Forgive me for being prideful and taking full credit for recent success. I’ve got to be mindful of the unique resources you entrusted me with. All of my talents, skills and expertise are to serve you in your Kingdom. Lord, I want to walk humbly with you at work and everywhere I go. I want to be more like Joshua who pointed his people back to you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen”

He never leaves us nor forsakes us when chained to self-defeating patterns or

strolling down the broad path of today’s world!

He is FAITHFUL!

“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim liberty to the captives,

and the opening of the prison

to those who are bound…” Isaiah 61:1

The Lord heals the brokenhearted, frees us from captivity and guides us towards an abundant life filled with Hope and eternal promises!

“It is a relief to be in His presence each moment!”

A path only a few may find.

He is FAITHFUL!

Periodically, the Lord opens up another ancient door from a prison cell so we may shut it permanently and never glanced back at it ever again.

“Idolatry”

Excessive internet shopping and social media updates, busyness, seeking approval from others are few barriers we may encounter when building our relationship with the Lord.

“No more bondage!”

“Let me walk out of this prison cell and shut the door at once!!” She whispered to herself in disgust one late afternoon.

She surrendered her desires for ‘more stuff’, approval, and social media involvement,

“Lord, help us stay focused. You are our only Hope to overcome strongholds in life. In Christ, anything is possible so give us the inner strength, focus, and determination we need for just today. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

“We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly…”

On Friday, I noticed a young woman’s desperate cry to save her kitty on social media. People demanded the young woman to consult with the vet immediately without acknowledging or addressing the core treatment barrier.

The reality was ‘Momma cat’ didn’t have the money to pay for the vet bills after she had rescued ‘Macy’ from a gloomy, rainy, cold winter night.

After reading multiple, critical and harsh commentators on Facebook, I established a ‘gofundme’ campaign.

Some contributed and supported the campaign, others ignored it and few were insulted by its noble mission.

And, who knows ‘how many’ individuals reported the link to the page’s administrator after the campaign was posted on his/her social page!

Praising Jesus right now!

I’ve got the Veterinarian and mamma cat’s contact information. Macy is on her way to the clinic at this very moment and I will be able to wrap up with the campaign this week, and most importantly follow-thru with Macy’s progress after her eye surgery💕

Her eye will be surgically removed in the next 24 hours.

I heard Jesus say in my disbelief, ‘pray for those who reported you and for the administrator who banned you from the page!’

“Are you kidding with me?!” it was the initial, candid response.

I was angry, disheartened and in disbelief when I found out I was banned for posting a campaign on social media. There were no warnings or alerts regarding rules.

Since then, I’ve been taking all negative thoughts captive to Christ and will continue loving ‘unlovable’ citizens on this earth today and always.

I love Jesus.

He wants us to love everyone 💕 including the unlovable ones.

Please pray for Macy’s eye surgery and post-recovery phase.

(Courtesy picture: Gwen Dean — 5 weeks after the eye surgery)

If you like to donate to Macy’s campaign, please click the link below:

Lester has a leadership role at an H.R. department and executes life-altering decisions daily.

We shared about our recent struggles in leadership.

“How do you handle disappointment?” I solicited.

His candid response was “I am greatly disappointed but I immediately forgive”.

The core of my soul was forever touched. A fresh perspective was unexpectedly heard as I strolled down the streets of the neighborhood with my hubby.

God had answered a prayer in His perfect time.

How many times family or friends disagree with our views? How many times do co-workers ignore our suggestions? How many times do others reject our participation in a decision?

Way too often!

We may feel betrayed or disheartened along the way.

What matters the most is how we process these emotions? Do we hold onto them for a prolonged period of time? Do we let them go?

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” Prov 4:23 N.I.V

Our tender hearts need to be protected from negative emotions. The Lord wants us to forgive immediately. Not once or twice but ‘every’ time someone disappoints us.

Forgiveness nourishes the heart, saves our souls and it is the ultimate antidote for bitterness. Taking every negative emotion ‘captive’ to Christ, confessing, repenting and praying over our sinful hearts are key ingredients to healing and spiritual growth.

“Lord, help me release any angry thoughts I may have right now, cleanse my heart from ‘un’forgiveness, protect my heart from resentments and alert me of bitterness. Remind me of taking every thought captive when feeling angry so I may surrender upsetting thoughts and related emotions right there and then. Help me forgive those who are offensive and are evil in their ways. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen”